Have you ever heard the word “EPILEPSY”? Today November 17, Tuesday is celebrated as National Epilepsy Day. Now a question arises that what is epilepsy? And why do we celebrate this day as National Epilepsy Day?
The Colour of Epilepsy Awareness Is Lavender.
November 17 is observed as National Epilepsy Day in India to raise awareness about the condition. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and ways to mitigate the disease is essential.
THEN, WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. The condition leads to unusual behavior, sensations, loss of awareness, and abnormal motor activity.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EPILEPSY?
Temporary confusion.
A staring spell.
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
Loss of consciousness or awareness.
Also, the main symptom of epilepsy is repeating seizures, they are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works.
WHAT CAUSES EPILEPSY?
Traumatic brain injury, high fever, or lack of oxygen at birth, infectious diseases such as AIDS and meningitis, genetic or developmental disorders, certain neurological disorders, vascular diseases, and likewise are some of the conditions that may lead to epilepsy.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
People are most likely to develop epilepsy if they have suffered from head injuries, heart diseases that can restrict the flow of oxygen to the brain, brain disorders like dementia, stroke, or seizures when they were young. It is due to illicit drugs, brain tumors, or bleeding in the brain.
HOW TO CONTROL THE CONDITION?
While there may not be a complete cure for epilepsy, the condition is controllable by medication or surgery. Furthermore, some people may also require a life-long treatment to control seizures. Additionally, some children may outgrow the disorder with age.
WHAT ARE THE BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES YOU MAY OBSERVE?
People with this are likely to experience behavioral changes minutes or hours before a seizure. Additionally, the condition starts changing the individual apprehensive, aggressive, agitated, inattentive, and hyperactive. Some children with these disease can suffer from stress because they might have a seizure in front of their friends or loved ones. It can cause them to act out, withdraw from social situations, become socially dysfunctional, anxious, and depressed.
-By Palak Thakur